shed tears

USAGE SUMMARY

"shed tears" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used to refer to an emotional reaction, usually sadness. Example: When he heard the news, he couldn't help but shed tears.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some shed tears.

The Economist

Get ink, shed tears.

The New York Times

The disappointed shed tears.

The Economist

So I didn't shed tears.

The New York Times

Few in China shed tears.

The Economist

No bishop shed tears.

The New York Times

I've shed tears every day since.

Independent

Children and parents shed tears.

The Guardian - Opinion

Johnson shed tears of joy.

The Guardian - Sport

Some "Nightline" producers shed tears.

The New York Times

Two women shed tears at curtain calls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary to avoid repetition. Consider using synonyms like "weep", "cry", or "burst into tears" to make your writing more engaging.

Common error

Ensure you use the correct tense of "shed" (shed, shedding, sheds) depending on the context. Avoid using "shade tears" as it's a common misspelling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shed tears" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the act of crying or expressing emotion through tears. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable expression. The examples show it used in various contexts, from news reports to personal anecdotes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shed tears" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of crying, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a verb phrase used to express a range of emotions from sadness to joy, most frequently found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it can be considered slightly formal. To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms like "weep" or "cry". Remember to use the correct tense of "shed" and avoid the common misspelling "shade tears". Overall, "shed tears" is a versatile and effective way to convey emotional expression in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weep

This is a direct synonym, indicating the act of crying.

cry

A more general term for expressing sorrow or pain through tears.

burst into tears

Indicates a sudden onset of crying.

break down in tears

Describes losing emotional control and beginning to cry.

bawl

Implies loud, unrestrained weeping.

sob

Suggests convulsive weeping, often with gasps.

be moved to tears

Expresses that someone was so affected by something that they started crying.

well up with tears

Describes the eyes filling with tears, an impending cry.

have a good cry

Suggests a cathartic release of emotions through crying.

get emotional

A more general term for expressing feelings.

FAQs

What does it mean to "shed tears"?

To "shed tears" means to cry, often as an expression of sadness, grief, joy, or other strong emotions. It implies the act of releasing tears from one's eyes.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "shed tears"?

The phrase "shed tears" is appropriate when describing someone crying due to a significant emotional experience, whether positive or negative. It can add emphasis to the emotional impact of an event.

What are some alternative ways to say "shed tears"?

You can use alternatives like "weep", "cry", "burst into tears", or "break down in tears" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "shed tears"?

Yes, "shed tears" is grammatically correct and a commonly used phrase in English. It follows standard verb usage and is widely understood.